Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE MINNESOTA STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE REGARDING THE CHESTER BOWL CHALET DEMOLITION AND REPLACEMENT.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the Duluth Heritage Preservation Commission is a consulting party to the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 review of the Chester Bowl Chalet demolition and replacement project; and
WHEREAS, the Duluth Heritage Preservation Commission unanimously approved execution of the prepared memorandum of agreement as a concurring party at their March 9, 2026 meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper City officials are authorized to enter into a memorandum of agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, with the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office regarding the Chester Bowl Thom Storm Chalet demolition and replacement.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes the proper city officials to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) regarding the Chester Bowl Thom Storm Chalet demolition and replacement in association with Section 106 environmental review requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The City of Duluth and Chester Bowl Improvement Club are collaboratively pursuing replacement of the Thom Storm Chalet located in Chester Park to expand environmental education and recreation opportunities. A portion of the funding for this project is supported by a Community Development Block Grant with funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As such, the project constitutes a federal undertaking and requires consultation with SHPO to identify and mitigate potential adverse effect to cultural and historic resources through Section 106 review.
During review of the project, it was determined that Chester Park is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Demolition and replacement of the Chalet constitutes an adverse effect to Chester Park. This memorandum of agreement describes the mitigation measure necessary to address the adverse effect and move forward with the project.